3 things we learnt about Reading during last night’s 1-1 draw v Norwich City | OneFootball

Reading remain third in the Championship after battling to a 1-1 draw with Norwich City at the Madejski Stadium last night.

Grant Hanley put the visitors ahead five minutes into the second half but Jeff Hendrick’s strike from the edge of the box pulled the Royals back level on the hour mark and neither side was able to find a winner.

Reading are back in action on Friday as they travel to Loftus Road to take on fourth-placed QPR but before our focus shifts to that match, here are three things we learnt about them during last night’s draw…

Andy Carroll’s first goal is coming

The free agent signing has yet to find the net since re-joining the Royals midway through last month but there were signs last night that it is coming.

His towering header from Junior Hoilett’s deep cross was kept out by Tim Krul early on and he impressed throughout the game against Norwich.

Carroll’s movement was really impressive and it looks just a matter of time before he bags his first goal of the season – particularly if Hoilett can keep hanging balls up to the back post.

Quiz: Did Reading FC win, draw or lose the last time they played at these 18 stadiums?

1 of 18

1. Pride Park (Derby)

Win Draw Lose

The Madejski remains a fortress

No Championship side has won more points at home than Reading and last night’s result against Norwich City, one of the sides earmarked for automatic promotion, showed that the Madejski Stadium remains a fortress.

The visitors were on top for long periods but spurred on by the home support, Paul Ince’s side battled hard for their 1-1 draw and showed fight to come back from one down.

They’ve now won 16 points from seven games at home this term and if they can find a bit more consistency on the road they should be a team to watch out for.

Last night’s game was another example of Reading’s vulnerability at set pieces – with Hanley’s opener a result of their failure to properly deal with a corner.

They gave up another good opportunity from a similar situation when the scores were level at 1-1 but luckily Andrew Omobamidele glanced his header wide.

It’s an area of concern as, in the Championship, only Hull City (six) have conceded more goals from set pieces this season than Reading (five).